Last week, the Obama administration found some resolve in the birth control issue. After some back and forth, it was decided that Catholic employers would not have to directly provide, through health-care plans, birth control to its female employees. However, there is a third party provider that will allow women working at said institutions to access birth control even it though it is not in their providers plan. This solution is modeled after a health-care plan in Hawaii that has similar provisions to ensure women are given all the contraceptive choices possible without directly compromising religious beliefs of the Catholic community. Catholics, however, do not acknowledge the Hawaii model because while opposing institutions can opt-out, they are required to provide the necessary information to women on where they can acquire birth control at a low cost. This still is opposite of the Catholic view on birth control where they do not condone contraceptives of any kind.
The difference between from the Hawaii plan is that providers aren't suggested by the institution "but would involve a third-party health company helping to provide contraception coverage." (Huff Post) While there are still some issues on both sides of the argument, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops ultimately see this action as a step in the right direction to find some middle ground. This is helpful not only for them and their beliefs, but also Obama and not ostracizing his Catholic supporters. This settlement involves the utilitarian ethical model in that is pleases the largest number of people. While some would like an ultimate decision either universally providing contraception or not, it considers all view points while still providing health-care options to those who seek it.
Article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/10/obama-birth-control_n_1267677.html
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